Fish Cook (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Fish Cook is a board game released in 2012 by designer James Ernest and published by Cheapass Games. It is a card game that involves dice rolling, hand management, open drafting, set collection, and trading mechanics. The game is suitable for 2 to 6 players, with a recommended age of 12 and above.

Game Components of Fish Cook

Game board

Ingredient cards (fish market and farmer’s market)

Recipe cards

Money tokens

Player tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Fish Cook

To set up **Fish Cook**, first lay out the game board, which represents the fish market and the farmer’s market. Shuffle and deal the ingredient cards to their respective markets. Each player chooses a token and places it on the starting space on the board. Distribute a set amount of money to each player. Finally, shuffle the recipe cards and place them within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Structure: The game is divided into several “days,” each consisting of two parts: Morning and Evening.

Morning Phase: Players buy ingredients from the fish market and farmer’s market.

Evening Phase: Players cook recipes using the ingredients they purchased and earn money.

Strategy: Focus on buying ingredients cheaply and efficiently, and consider stealing good ideas from fellow chefs.

Objective: Earn the most money by the end of the game to be declared the Master Chef.

Player Experience

Playing **Fish Cook** is a delightful blend of strategic planning and light-hearted fun. Players must balance their budgets to acquire the right ingredients while keeping an eye on their competitors’ moves. The game encourages a mix of efficient resource management and a touch of social interaction through the mechanic of stealing ideas.

Pros

Simple to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it easy for new players to jump in.

Quick Games: Games typically last about 45 minutes.

Interactive: Players can steal recipes from each other, adding a fun social element.

Economic Strategy: Requires smart buying and selling decisions.

Cons

Limited Complexity: The game mechanics are simple, which might make it too easy or repetitive for experienced players.

Randomness: Ingredient availability can introduce some randomness, which may not appeal to players seeking more control.

Personal Thoughts on Fish Cook

**Fish Cook** is ideal for those looking for a light, family-friendly game that still offers some strategic depth. It’s perfect for casual game nights or as an introduction to Euro-style games. The game’s theme of cooking and managing a kitchen adds a charming touch that can appeal to a wide range of players. However, if you’re seeking a game with high complexity or deep strategic layers, **Fish Cook** might not be the best fit.

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